Hey baseball fans! The St. Louis Cardinals will face off against the Cincinnati Reds tonight in a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams are looking to make a statement in the early stages of the season, and we can expect a thrilling contest.
The Cardinals enter the game with a 6-4 record, while the Reds are 4-6. St. Louis has been led by the strong performances of their starting pitchers, who have combined for a 3.00 ERA. The Reds, on the other hand, have struggled with their pitching, posting a team ERA of 4.50.
Tonight’s game will be a battle between two of the best offenses in the league. The Cardinals are led by Paul Goldschmidt, who is batting .350 with 5 home runs and 14 RBIs. The Reds counter with Joey Votto, who is hitting .333 with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs. Expect plenty of fireworks in this high-scoring affair.
Cardinals vs. Reds Game Preview
Team Records
The St. Louis Cardinals enter tonight’s game with a 45-47 record, sitting 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the final Wild Card spot. The Cincinnati Reds, meanwhile, are 39-52 and have lost six straight games. The Cardinals have won two of the three meetings between the two teams this season.
Projected Starting Pitchers
The Cardinals will send Jack Flaherty to the mound tonight. Flaherty is 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four starts this season. He has struck out 23 batters in 21.1 innings of work. The Reds will counter with Luis Castillo, who is 3-3 with a 3.75 ERA in eight starts this season. Castillo has struck out 62 batters in 48 innings of work.
Key Matchups
One of the key matchups to watch in tonight’s game will be the battle between Flaherty and the Reds’ lineup. Flaherty has struggled with his command this season, walking 11 batters in 21.1 innings. The Reds have a number of hitters who can take advantage of Flaherty’s mistakes, including Joey Votto, Eugenio Suárez, and Mike Moustakas. If Flaherty can’t find his control, the Reds could be in line for a big night.
Another key matchup to watch will be the Cardinals’ offense against Castillo. Castillo has been one of the best pitchers in the National League this season, but the Cardinals have a number of hitters who can give him trouble. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Tyler O’Neill are all capable of hitting the ball hard and driving in runs. If the Cardinals can get to Castillo early, they could put the Reds in a tough spot.
Overall, tonight’s game is a matchup between two teams that are heading in different directions. The Cardinals are fighting for a playoff spot, while the Reds are trying to avoid finishing in last place. The outcome of the game could have a significant impact on the Cardinals’ chances of making the postseason.
Recent Cardinals Performance
The St. Louis Cardinals have had a rollercoaster season in recent weeks, with a mix of impressive victories and frustrating losses. After a strong start to the season, the team stumbled in July, but has rebounded somewhat in August. Currently, the Cardinals sit in second place in the National League Central Division, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 5.5 games.
### Recent Game Results
In their most recent series, the Cardinals faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at home, winning two out of three games. They kicked off the series with a dominant 11-2 victory, led by Paul Goldschmidt’s two home runs and four RBIs. However, they dropped the second game 5-2, with the Pirates’ pitching staff holding them to just four hits. The Cardinals bounced back in the series finale with a 5-1 win, with Miles Mikolas pitching a complete game and allowing only one run.
### Team Batting Stats
Through 105 games, the Cardinals have a team batting average of .254, which ranks 10th in the National League. They have also hit 150 home runs, tying them for fifth in the league. Goldschmidt continues to lead the team offensively, with a .332 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs. Nolan Arenado has also been a key contributor, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 74 runs.
### Team Pitching Stats
The Cardinals’ pitching staff has had its ups and downs this season, but overall, they have been solid. The team’s ERA is 3.59, which ranks ninth in the National League. Miles Mikolas has been the Cardinals’ most consistent starter, with a 9-4 record and a 3.27 ERA. Jack Flaherty has also been impressive, with a 7-5 record and a 3.56 ERA. The bullpen has been a bit more erratic, but Ryan Helsley has emerged as a reliable closer, with 21 saves.
Recent Reds Performance
Recent Game Results
In their last 10 games, the Reds have compiled a disappointing record of 4 wins and 6 losses. Their offense has struggled mightily, scoring an average of just 3.4 runs per game during that stretch. The pitching staff hasn’t been much better, posting a team ERA of 4.87.
Key Moments
- In the series opener against the Cardinals, the Reds were shut out 6-0 despite a solid outing from starting pitcher Luis Castillo.
- The Reds snapped their three-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Pirates, thanks to a walk-off home run by Kyle Farmer.
- The team’s struggles continued in a 7-1 loss to the Brewers, with the offense managing only four hits.
Team Batting Stats
The Reds’ offense has been one of the worst in baseball this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Through their first 50 games, they have a team batting average of .228, an on-base percentage of .290, and a slugging percentage of .362. Their lack of power has been particularly concerning, as they have hit only 48 home runs, the second-fewest in the National League.
Offensive Leaders
- Joey Votto: .270 BA, 8 HR, 24 RBI
- Tyler Stephenson: .245 BA, 6 HR, 23 RBI
- Kyle Farmer: .248 BA, 4 HR, 19 RBI
Team Pitching Stats
The Reds’ pitching staff has also struggled this season, with a team ERA of 4.78. Their starters have been inconsistent, while the bullpen has been downright shaky. The team has allowed an average of 5.0 runs per game, which is among the highest in the league.
Pitching Leaders
- Luis Castillo: 3.68 ERA, 49 K, 24 BB
- Sonny Gray: 3.96 ERA, 45 K, 22 BB
- Hunter Greene: 4.48 ERA, 50 K, 26 BB
Injury Updates
Cardinals Injuries
The Cardinals enter the game with a litany of injuries to key players. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who had been a key contributor in the Cardinals’ recent run of success, is out with a hamstring injury. His absence will be a significant blow to the Cardinals’ offense.
Also sidelined for the Cardinals is starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. The talented right-hander has been dealing with a shoulder issue and will not be available for the start of the series against the Reds. His absence will force the Cardinals to shuffle their rotation and rely more heavily on their bullpen.
In addition to O’Neill and Flaherty, the Cardinals have several other players on the injured list. Catcher Yadier Molina is expected to miss the entire series with an oblique injury. Shortstop Paul DeJong is also out with a fractured rib.
With so many key players sidelined, the Cardinals will need to rely on their depth and young players to step up in their absence.
Reds Injuries
The Reds also have their share of injuries, although not to the same extent as the Cardinals. Starting pitcher Wade Miley is expected to miss the start of the series with a groin injury. Miley has been a key part of the Reds’ rotation and his absence will be a blow to their pitching staff.
Outfielder Nick Castellanos is also listed as day-to-day with a wrist injury. Castellanos has been one of the Reds’ most productive hitters this season and his absence would be a significant loss.
In addition to Miley and Castellanos, the Reds have a few other players on the injured list. Outfielder Aristides Aquino is out with a hamstring injury and infielder Mike Moustakas is dealing with a quad strain.
Despite their injuries, the Reds still have a talented lineup and should be a competitive opponent for the Cardinals.
COVID-19 Protocol
Both the Cardinals and Reds will be following MLB’s COVID-19 protocols for the start of the series. This means that players will be tested regularly and will be required to wear masks when not on the field. The teams will also be practicing social distancing and will be limiting access to the clubhouse and other team facilities.
MLB’s COVID-19 protocols have been in place since the start of the season and have been credited with helping to keep the virus from spreading among players and staff. The Cardinals and Reds will continue to follow these protocols throughout the series in order to keep their players and staff safe.
Betting Odds
### Moneyline
The Cardinals are favored to win, with a moneyline odd of -135. This means that a bet of $135 would profit $100 if the Cardinals win. The Reds are the underdogs, with a moneyline odd of +115. This means that a bet of $100 would profit $115 if the Reds win.
### Over/Under
The over/under for the game is 9.5 runs. This means that the sportsbook expects a total of 9.5 runs to be scored in the game. If you bet on the over, you will win if the total number of runs scored is 10 or more. If you bet on the under, you will win if the total number of runs scored is 9 or less.
### Player Props
There are a number of player props available for the game. Here are some of the most popular:
* **Paul Goldschmidt home runs:** Over 0.5 (-120), Under 0.5 (-105)
* **Joey Votto hits:** Over 1.5 (-125), Under 1.5 (-105)
* **Jack Flaherty strikeouts:** Over 5.5 (-120), Under 5.5 (-105)
* **Luis Castillo strikeouts:** Over 6.5 (-125), Under 6.5 (-105)
* **Total bases:** Over 8.5 (-120), Under 8.5 (-105)
Player props can be a good way to add some excitement to your betting experience. However, it is important to remember that player props are less predictable than moneyline and over/under bets. This is because player props are dependent on the performance of individual players, who can be affected by a number of factors, such as injuries, fatigue, and luck.
Fantasy Impact
Cardinals Players to Watch
Paul Goldschmidt: A perennial All-Star and MVP candidate, Goldschmidt is one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. He has a career batting average of .297 with 289 home runs and 998 RBIs. Goldschmidt is a threat to do damage every time he steps up to the plate, and he’s especially dangerous against left-handed pitching.
Tommy Edman: Edman is a versatile player who can play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, and the outfield. He’s a good contact hitter with some speed, and he’s also a solid defender. Edman is a good all-around player who can contribute in a number of ways.
Nolan Arenado: Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in the league. He’s also a solid hitter with power and a good eye at the plate. Arenado is a key part of the Cardinals’ lineup, and he’s always a threat to make a big play.
Reds Players to Watch
Joey Votto: Votto is a seven-time All-Star and former MVP who is one of the best hitters in baseball. He has a career batting average of .312 with 345 home runs and 1,093 RBIs. Votto is a patient hitter with a good eye at the plate, and he’s always a threat to get on base.
Nick Castellanos: Castellanos is a three-time All-Star and one of the best hitters in the National League. He has a career batting average of .289 with 246 home runs and 803 RBIs. Castellanos is a powerful hitter with a good eye at the plate, and he’s always a threat to do damage.
Jonathan India: India is a rising star who is one of the best young players in the league. He’s a good contact hitter with some speed, and he’s also a solid defender at second base. India is a player to watch this season, and he could be a valuable fantasy asset.
Matchup Analysis
The Cardinals are a slight favorite in this matchup, but the Reds are a dangerous team with a lot of offensive firepower. The Cardinals have a good bullpen, but their starting rotation has been shaky at times. The Reds have a good starting rotation, but their bullpen is a bit of a question mark.
Overall, this is a close matchup that could go either way. The Cardinals have the slight edge, but the Reds are a team to watch out for.
Fantasy owners should consider starting Goldschmidt, Edman, and Arenado for the Cardinals. Votto, Castellanos, and India are all good starts for the Reds.